By
Jordana
Haspel
That's right, food can help you live longer. And not just
because without it you'd starve to death in just a few weeks. It turns out that
eating the right foods does more than keep you going—it keeps you going
better and can add years to your life. The truth is there are few surprises
here; we've been telling you to eat these things all along. A diet rich in
these foods won't just keep you living longer because of their special
properties, but also because eating them as part of a healthy diet will help
you lose weight and avoid obesity-related health problems.
Here are the top 10 life-extending foods:
 Tomatoes. Tomatoes contain large
amounts of lycopene, a powerful antioxidant. Lycopene helps reduce the chances
of several cancers—most notably prostate cancer—and is also
associated with reduced risk of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and
osteoporosis. It may even help prevent skin aging. One of the quirky things
about tomatoes is that the amount of lycopene they have actually increases when
you cook and crush them, so tomato paste and sauce are more powerful than fresh
tomatoes.
- Olive oil. Olive oil is high in monounsaturated fat, which can help reduce
the risk of coronary heart disease. It also has high antioxidant levels, a
beneficial effect on cholesterol levels, and an anti-inflammatory effect. No
wonder the Mediterranean diet is so healthy! Choose cold-pressed, extra virgin
olive oil for maximum benefit—but don't go overboard. Remember, one
tablespoon has 120 calories (13 grams of fat!). (Click here for
more on the healthy benefits of olive oil.)
 Red
grapes. Like tomatoes and olive oil, grapes, grape
juice, and red wine also contain antioxidants. Drinking a moderate amount of
red wine—one or two drinks a day—has been shown to increase
longevity. (Click here for
more health benefits of wine, especially info on resveratrol, a substance
in the skin of red grapes that's been shown to help slow the growth of cancer.)
Be careful, however, because drinking too much can shorten your life
instead!
- Nuts. Nuts
have fat, but like olive oil it's the "good" fat—monounsaturated. Eating 5
ounces a week has been linked to a reduced risk of heart disease. They're also
a good source of protein, omega-3 fatty acids, and antioxidants. For more nutty
info, check out "4 Reasons
to Nibble Nuts."
 Whole grains. Whole grains,
especially sprouted whole grains, contain a lot of fiber, as well as
antioxidants. They help protect against cancer, cardiovascular disease,
diabetes, and contribute to maintaining a healthy weight. So skip the Wonder
Bread, and cut a slice of a multigrain loaf instead.
- Salmon and other fatty fish.
There can't be enough said about the benefits of omega-3
fatty acids, and salmon is rich in them. They help prevent cancer, reduce
inflammation, coronary heart disease, and other health problems. In most cases
wild-caught fish are healthier than farm-raised fish.
 Blueberries. Blueberries have one of
the highest concentrations of antioxidants. They help prevent urinary tract
infections, lower cholesterol, and help slow the progression of Alzheimer's
disease. All the other berries are great too, plus they taste practically like
candy!
- Garlic. Garlic has been used for medicinal purposes for thousands of
years, used for everything from treating the common cold to serving as an
antiseptic. It can help regulate blood sugar and has anti-cancer properties.
(Click here for more on the
wonders of garlic.)
- Spinach. Loads of antioxidants make spinach a strong weapon against
aging. It also has high levels of folic acid, which helps fight cancer, heart
disease, and mental disorders.
 Tea.
Used medicinally for thousands of years, tea contains a
large amount of antioxidants. It may boost your metabolism, help prevent
diabetes, lift your immune system and mental alertness, and lower stress
hormone levels. (Click here
to read about 12 of the best teas.) And drink up!
|
Take the
Anti Aging Foods
Quiz by clicking
here. |
